Every year, on June 21, the world celebrates World Giraffe Day, a worldwide occasion honouring these majestic creatures of the African savanna.
This unique day, organised by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF), offers an opportunity to find out more about these amazing animals.
Want to find out more? Here are some facts about World Giraffe Day.
What is World Giraffe Day?
World Giraffe Day is devoted to honouring and encouraging the conservation of giraffes.
These gentle giants majestically grace the African savannah with their towering presence.
World Giraffe Day draws attention to the endangered species' distinct beauty and emphasises how urgently conservation efforts are needed to save the species.
How endangered are giraffes?
While giraffes are not regarded as an endangered species on the whole, they are certainly vulnerable, with number plummeting in the past few decades. And two of the eight subspecies that have been assessed – the Masai and the reticulated giraffes – are considered endangered. Two other giraffes are seriously threatened: the Kordofan and the Nubian.
The IUCN Red List indicates there are only up to 117,000 giraffes remaining in the wild.
There are now four distinct species of giraffe, each with its own fur coat patterns.
There are around 45,000 Southern and 35,000 Masai mature giraffes of mating age in the wild. Of the reticulated subspecies, 15,875 are in the wild, but fewer mating pairs. Meanwhile, the Northern giraffe has three subspecies – the Kordofan, Nubian, and West African – and just 6,000 at most are thought to be left in the wild.
Numerous human activities pose a threat to giraffe populations. Their living areas are drastically reduced by habitat devastation brought on by infrastructural development, deforestation, and agriculture.
Another serious issue is bushmeat and traditional medicine poaching, which is particularly dangerous in places with lax law enforcement.Their survival is made more difficult by climate change, which has an impact on the availability of food and water, as well as habitat.
Giraffes' eating and migrating habits might be disturbed by changes in weather patterns because they are dependent on particular trees and plants for their sustenance.
Where can you see giraffes in the UK?
There are multiple spaces where you can encounter a giraffe in the UK.
Knowsley Safari has giraffes at its Foot Safari. The park is a tourist attraction near Prescot, England. Adult tickets start from £12.50 while child admission is £11.25.
You can also spot giraffes at London Zoo (adult tickets from £27) and Chester Zoo (adult tickets from £35).
If you go to Chester Zoo, you will get to see a rare Rothschild giraffe, born a few months ago.
If you want to get up close and personal with a giraffe, some of the above-mentioned zoos offer this experience, as does Folly Farm. For £90, you will gain entry to the farm and have the chance to feed these graceful animals.
There are plenty more places you can go but we have highlighted a few of the popular spots.
